Skipper hails Rafiq’s impact

Photo: Chris Sunderland

A TON OF RUNS ... Glodwick batsman Rehan Rafiq goes on the attack against Friarmere’s Josh Butler.

CRICKET: WITH his side flying high in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League, Glodwick captain Nigel Stock has saluted the influence of professional Rehan Rafiq.

The loss of paid man Imran Aslam — he claimed more than 250 wickets and scored in excess of 2,000 runs in three seasons at the club — could have seen a dip in fortunes at Warren Lane.

Far from it. With Rafiq clocking up runs for fun and amateur bowler Imran Asghar taking a seven and five-wicket hauls, Glodwick are sitting pretty at the top of the table.

Rafiq, who had a season as Stayley’s pro, notched an unbeaten 107 in the emphatic win over Friarmere last weekend. The ton followed scores of 41, 40, 70, and 54.

Stock said: “As a team, we are batting with a lot more confidence since Rehan’s arrival.

“He has a very calming influence on the players and is a good assistant to me.

“His has the right attitude and is a very professional character in everything he does on and off the cricket field.

“ Rehan has also taken some good catches in the slips and has bowled steadily when called upon.”

It is not just the batting that has impressed this season, the bowlers are also playing their part in Glodwick’s success.

Stock added: “When we first came into the league, we struggled to reach 200 in the first couple of seasons.

“We got over that and then, after Imran Aslam left, there was a worry about bowling sides out.

“But Imran Asghar has bowled fantastically well, along with Mark Whitehead. He took a lot of wickets at home last year, but he has taken plenty on his travels this season.

“He is also a capable batsman and should catch the inter-league side.”

Glodwick, whose only defeat so far this season came against Denton West in the LCB Cup, have improved their finishing position year-on-year since entering the league in 2007.

Fourth last term, they are now gunning for a place in the top three.

However, Glodwick’s push will be put on hold this weekend.

Stock added: “We’ve got an open weekend, which hasn’t come at a good time. We wanted to keep the momentum going.”

And it is not only the first team that are riding the crest of a wave, the club’s second string are leading the way in Division Two.